One of the issues I have been increasingly noticing for my clients is the question of the impending plebiscite and the impact this is likely to have on the perception of the LGBTIQ community.

I have the great fortune of working with a number of young people who have chosen to disclose their sexuality early on and thankfully they have received the best possible love, care and unconditional support from family and friends. Of course, this is sadly still not always the case.

These same young people are now faced with the prospect of a highly public media campaign to support the respective 'yes' and 'no' views on the subject of legalising gay marriage. Sadly, this is having the worst possible detrimental effect on these young people. I am witnessing first hand the fear and distress the prospect of this campaign is having on them, a most distressing sight to see especially when it is completely unnecessary.

These beautiful and brave young people are now facing a new possible threat to their sense of worth and well being as a consequence of this debate. Although many of us may not relate to the dilemma gay people have to face in talking about their sexuality, one would hope enough of us know that the right to marriage is a basic human right, to love and be loved by a person regardless of gender or what their sexual preference happens to be.

I hope the so called 'grown ups' in the political, social and religious realm allow common sense to be the  force in which they make their decision. Most importantly, I hope they take note of the of the fresh trauma and damage an already vulnerable group of people are now being forced to accept and come to terms with.

There are many good reads out there on the impact sexuality can have on a person's life and circumstance. The one I have read most recently is by the wonderful Magda Szubanski called 'Reckoning', one of the best autobiographies I have read in recent times. The 2015 movie 'Love is Strange' is a stunning portrayal of two older men in a long term relationship choosing to get married in New York and the fallout effects this decision has on their lives. 

As one small 'grown up' voice, I want to express my full support for gay marriage. Lets get on with sharing, loving and living our lives with the person who matters most to us in holy matrimony if we so choose.

The first children's hospice in Queensland is opening in Chermside this October. This is a joint initiative created by the Hummingbird House Foundation and Wesley Foundation to support children with life limiting illness. The website is worth a look at to get a full sense of the beautiful place they have been creating for children and their families. There is a specialist paediatric palliative care team attached to the service who provide support and care for the child and family.

Coles Supermarkets are accepting donations at the register and I urge people to consider the small donation of $2 which they add to the overall cost of your shopping. We live in a precarious and unpredictable world at times but knowing there are great people out there putting their time and energy into making the most devastating of circumstances a little easier for people dealing with the loss of a child is both reassuring and heartening.